History & Modern Languages
- UCAS Code: VR18 BA/HML
- Campus Code: 4
- Duration: 4 years
- Places per year: 2-3
This course offers the opportunity to develop near native-speaker skills in a foreign language while studying a range of papers relating to the culture and history of the relevant language area; options in some languages also include film and contemporary politics. Students will also develop analytical skills in History through a wide range of topics in British, European, American and World history, as well as the history of political thought. There will be opportunities to work with historical sources in foreign languages. As for other language students, those who take this course will spend their third year studying or working abroad, thereby immersing themselves in the language, culture, history and politics of a foreign country.
History & Modern Languages
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Course Overview
This course gives you an insight into the cultures of other countries. You’ll also develop an understanding of the past and present in global contexts.
This four-year course includes intensive study in language, culture, film, the history of political thought and a wide variety of modern British, European, American and world history. You can choose any of these languages: French (post-A-Level only), German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian or Spanish.
Like other language students, you’ll spend your third year abroad. Studying or working in another country, you’ll be able to immerse yourself in the language, culture and history around you.
How You Learn
Teaching is provided through a mixture of lectures, intensive language classes, seminars and small-group supervisions.
You will usually have 14 hours of teaching each week.
You’ll also complete translation and essay assignments and supervision essays which you’ll discuss with a subject specialist.
Assessment is through written exams and coursework, plus an oral examination in your chosen language. You can complete a dissertation instead of an exam, in the fourth year.
Entry Requirements
Minimum Offer Level
A-Level: A*AA
IB Diploma: 41-42 points, with 776 at Higher Level
Other: See the University’s Entry Requirements page
Subject Requirements
You will need A level/IB Higher Level (or the equivalent) in:
- History
- a language (for languages to be studied post A level/IB Higher Level)
French may only be chosen if you have already completed an A Level/IB Higher Level or equivalent.
Admissions Process
Written Work
Two recent examples of essays you have written at school. One should be from your History A Level or equivalent. The other should be written in the language you intend to study at university (unless applying for a language from scratch, in which case it should be in English). You do not have to send this work before applying, we will write to you after you have applied and let you know exactly what you need to send and when.
Admissions Assessment
If shortlisted for interview, you will be asked to take an admissions assessment. The assessment will be on Thursday 21 November, invigilated by us over Zoom, and you can take it either at school or at home. The College will register you for this – you do not need to register yourself. See also the University website’s page on College Admission Assessments.
Interviews
Two interviews of around 25 minutes each. One will focus on History, the other on the language you wish to study.
